The Joe LaRocco 5k and Elementary School 1k Run are a part of the Knights Crossing Cross Country Invitational hosted by Cave Spring High School. These courses are flat, fast, and 100% grass/gravel. If you want to get an early Fall PR, this is your course. Come be a part of a meet with the thousands of runners from multiple states racing in 11 different races.
Questions regarding the Joe LaRocco 5k or Elementary School Championship 1k races can be directed to the Assistant Meet Director John Wiggins at jwiggins@rcps.us. Any questions regarding the high school or middle school races should be directed to Head Meet Director Tommy Maguire at tmaguire@rcps.us.
Joe LaRocco 5k: @ 8:00AM
This race is open to coaches, parents, alumni and the general public. Athletes who attend public or private middle/high schools and are attending the Knights Crossing Invitational with their team should run in the appropriate division later in the day. Per VHSL/NFHS policies, athletes who are home schooled cannot race against public or private Virginia schools or other sanctioned out-of-state schools and must therefore participate in this separate "open" race.
Awards: Awards will be given to the Top 3 Male/Female Overall and as well as the Top Male/Female Masters (40+) runners. Additionally, coaches with individuals or teams racing at Knights Crossing are eligible for the "fastest coach" award (Male/Female).
Purpose: This race is named after the late Joe LaRocco who was a long-time Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Cave Spring High School. During his tenure at Cave Spring, he taught History and Government classes from 1980 until his retirement in 2013. Additionally, Mr. LaRocco was a long-time USATF official and starter, starting races at the high school and collegiate level for over 20 years.
Records/Results:
5000m Open Race Overall Records (New Course - 2019):
Men: Luke Mussard 15:18.44 (2022)
Women: Annie LeHardy 18:21.00 (2024)
5000m Open Race Master's (40+) Records (New Course - 2019):
Men: Matthew Wisnioski 17:18.27 (2022)
Women: Ashley Palmer 18:46.9 (2025)
5000m Open Race Coach's Records (New Course - 2019):
Men: John Wiggins 16:20.00 (2019)
Women: Kate Vanderstelt 21:18.6 (2025)
Historical 5k Team Results:
2025: 1st Krusty Krabs (21 points), 2nd Roanoke Valley Elite (RVE) (47 points), 3rd Patrick & Henry Community College XC (66 points)
2024: 1st Roanoke Valley Elite (RVE) (15 points), 2nd ABCA Cross Country (66 points), 3rd CSXC Alumni & Friends (71 points)
2023: 1st Blacksburg Striders (18 points), 2nd CSXC Alumni & Friends (59 points), 3rd C&C Runners (76 points)
T-Shirts: The paid registrants will receive a Joe LaRocco 5k T-Shirt until supplies run out!
Teams: Racers can also compete as part of a co-ed racing team using Cross Country scoring to dictate winner. A team is NOT required to participate in this event but encouraged. Please note that teams require 5 or more runners to be scored and be in consideration for the awards (Top 3 teams).
Elementary School 1k: @ 9:00AM
This race is open to all Elementary-age students (1st-5th grade). All participants will be given a Knights Crossing T-shirt at packet pick-up and a medal at the finish line commemorating their race.
1000m Elementary Records:
Boys: Connor King 3:48.32 (2022)
Girls: Aryana Sarmadi 4:00.2 (2025)
Additional Information:
Concessions: Basic concessions will be available for purchase behind the start line along with other food vendors.
Medical: Emergency medical needs will be supported by the Cave Spring HS Athletic Trainer and the Cave Spring Rescue Squad.
Packet Pick-up: Packets may be picked up the morning of the race at Green Hill Park starting at 7:00AM. When entering the park, packet pick-up is to the left along the road with the Concessions and is marked with a large blue "swooper" flag.
2026 Schedule of Events:
7:00 AM Course Opens - Packet Pick-up (Near Concessions) & Open Race registration (Online only - At Finish line)
7:45 AM - Open Race (Joe LaRocco 5k and 1k Elementary School Race) closes
8:00 AM - "Joe LaRocco" Open 5K Team Race for men and women
8:30 AM - High School/Middle School Coaches Meeting at the Stage
9:00 AM - Elementary School Championship 1K Race - (Boys/Girls)
9:15 AM - Open Race Awards
9:30 AM - Girls Middle School Championship 4K Race (Medals to Top 25)
10:15 AM - Boys Middle School Championship 4K Race (Medals to Top 25)
10:45 AM - Girls Red Race 5K (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams) (Medals to top 25)
11:30 AM - Boys Red Race 5K (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams) (Medals to top 25)
12:00 PM Girls Black Race 5K (Smaller VA Public schools & all private schools) (Medals to top 25)
12:45 PM Boys Black Race 5K (Smaller VA Public schools & all private schools) (Medals to top 25)
1:15 PM - Girls White Race 5k (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams not in Red) (Unlimited entries)
2:00 PM - Boys White Race 5k (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams not in Red) (Unlimited entries)
2:30 pm - Girls & Boys will race together in Gold Race 5k (VA Public & all private schools not in Black race) (Unlimited entries)
